Frequently Asked Questions
(Click on each question to go to its corresponding answer.)
When was the Broward Teachers Union founded?
The Broward Teachers Union (Local #1975) was founded in 1975.
The union maintains office and conference facilities at 6000 North University Drive in Tamarac, Florida. Tamarac is centrally located northwest of Fort Lauderdale in South Florida's Broward County.
How many members belong to the union?
Presently, the union has more than 10,000 members, which makes it the State of Florida's largest local teachers union. It is the certified bargaining agent of all teachers working for the Broward County Public Schools.
Does the union only represent teachers?
The union represents teachers, school nurses, psychologists, social workers, media specialists and other education professionals. It also represents middle management employees of the district which includes engineers, information system technicians, television production staff, .
What is the primary purpose of the union?
The union works to provide quality, efficient, member-focused services, with the intent of improving the economic and professional status of the county's educators.
How do I get information about the union's finances?
The union employs both internal and external auditing services. The organization provides financial information to any member who requests it. Members can call the union office at 954-486-6250 to request the information.
Is the union affiliated with any other unions?
The Broward Teachers Union is affiliated with the Florida Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
How can I get help for payroll problems?
The first person for members to contact is the person responsible for doing the payroll at each respective school. Part of his/her job is to contact the payroll department for information or corrections. The district's payroll department personnel will not speak to individual teachers.
The P.A.F. (Personnel Action Form) can answer many questions and is in the possession of the school payroll contact. Information on this form includes salary, job title, job length and percentage. A P.A.F. must be filled out for each job and is the means by which a person gets paid for each job.
Article 19, Section P contains language about payroll errors and over-payment. The District can only go back two (2) years in an over-payment situation and repayment schedule should be negotiated between the teacher and the district.
Who do I contact for help with insurance issues?
Each school has a designated insurance contact (teacher/secretary) that is responsible for checking over and collecting forms at open enrollment and for getting any new information from the Benefits Department to the teachers. Find out who this person is and utilize him/her.
Insurance companies have placed their representatives at the School Board Benefits office. Any questions or concerns should first be directed to these people.
Questions about Dental, Vision, Disability and Retirement should be directed to the main Benefits office number 754-321-3100.
Worker's Compensation questions should be directed to the districts Risk Management Department.
BTU Contract Article 22 contains insurance coverage language. Please refer to this article.
How can I get assistance for certification concerns?
The automated Broward Certification Department Hotline number is 954-768-8900. The teacher is to leave a message on the department recorder and the Certification Department will respond to them within a week either by telephone or pony.
The automated State Certification Hotline number is 1-800-445-6739. Answers to questions are provided after 72 hours.
If members experience trouble receiving an answer from the local certification office, please let your field representative know by calling 954-486-6250. Answers to questions can be obtained after 72 hours.
Who receives basic or advanced incentives?
Basic and Advanced Incentives are offered to teachers who meet the criteria. Article 21, Sections A and B contains language outlining the criteria.
Forms for the incentives can be obtained from your school secretary or the certification office.
Salary adjustments for advanced degrees are given at two times each year. Transcripts must be into the certification office by October 1 (first semester) or by April 1 (second semester). Note: Incentives, once approved, do not have to be renewed.
What kind of leaves does the district and union provide?
Language on all types of leaves is contained in Article 23. Please refer to this resource first.
There is no deadline date for applying for a personal leave.
Personal leave can be taken for a maximum of two years.
Maternity and/or child rearing leave can be taken for maximum of three years. It can be less than three years or even less than one year.
A person returning from leave is not guaranteed the same position but they are guaranteed a position.
Sick Leave Bank membership should be encouraged. Open enrollment is in the fall (usually October). The District mails applications for enrollment to all eligible teachers.
Applications for withdrawal from the Sick Leave Bank due to illness can be obtained from the BTU office.
Professional Development Sabbatical is a provision in Article 23 - Leaves.
What in-service opportunities are available?
In-service opportunities are voluntary. Each school has an in-service coordinator. Identify this person and contact them with any questions.
An in-service calendar is available in each school and is usually located on the main bulletin board. This contains all approved in-service courses.
Twenty (20) in-service points is equivalent to one (1) college credit.
If a teacher needs a printout of their in-service points, the in-service coordinator can obtain this at the school site.
Where can I find TDIF applications?
Applications for TDIF are sent to each school during the school year or as funds are available.
Teachers may apply for tuition reimbursement, special grants, conferences, etc.
Please look for these applications and notify your teachers when they become available. For additional applications, please telephone Non-Instructional Staffing at 754-321-1810.
How do I locate my placement on the salary schedule?
To locate your salary level refer to the current contract.
Salary and supplemental pay information is located in Appendix E & Appendix F of your contract.
The payroll secretary at your school can also assist with questions about your contract.
© 2006 Broward Teachers Union. All rights reserved.